Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2019: Significance, date and how the festival is celebrated

The Hindu festival of Janmashtami - also known as Krishna Jayanti or Gokulashtami - is celebrated with great zeal and reverence across the country. The day marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of God Vishnu.

Every year, the festival is observed on the eighth day (ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravan.

How is Janmashtami celebrated?

All over India, devotees perform pujas and aartis and sing devotional songs. Many different types of fruits and sweets are offered to Lord Krishna along with a special type of sweet made of makhan (butter) and malai (cream).

It is the largest festival in the Braj region including Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Krishna had spent his childhood and rest of his life. Devotees also observe a fast on this day before performing puja.

Photo: BCCL

Significance of Janmashtami

According to Hindu mythology, the day of Janmashtami marks the end of the Dwapara Yuga and commencement of Kalyuga.

The prime motive of his birth on Earth is believed to have been to bring an end to the cruelty prevailing at that time and also reinstate the importance of Dharma at a time when his uncle, Kansa, was ruling Mathura and making the lives of people miserable.

It basically symbolises people’s faith in Lord Krishna. Other major Hindu festivals such as Ganeshotsav, Navratri and Diwali follow Janmashtami.

A major significance of Janmashtami is the victory of Good over Evil. It also brings together people and celebrates the principle of unity. It is celebrated with great fun and devotion by Hindus.